Be happy, young man, while you are young,
and let your heart give you joy in the days of your youth.

Years later I still remember eyes that met mine on city streets and in museums, on car rapides and in the village. We’re only souls poured into skin, I could have been anyone.

Rain collects in the horsts and grabens and Dakar floods in the rainy season.

Rice, lamb, manioc, carrots, cabbage, tomato, oil, mustard, onion, salt, bay leaves, garlic, pepper.

This is the powerful pulsing of love in the vein
After the dream of falling and calling your name out
These are the roots of rhythm
And the roots of rhythm remain

-Paul Simon

the moon endlessly orbits the beach pulling sand out to sea until one morning you wake up and the Atlantic is at your doorstep, asking for a cup of sugar and to sit for a while, chat about the weather.